(ESBJERG, Denmark) — When your fleet has a large number of vessels, including some of the world’s biggest containerships, and you operate some 200 shipping routes to visit almost all of the important commercial ports, it’s the big picture that really counts. Scalability, cost-efficiency, time savings, and risk reduction – these are key parameters that help French-based container transportation and shipping giant CMA CGM keep its position in the top rank of a highly competitive industry.
Safety equipment purchase and maintenance receives more attention than its relatively minor position in the overall CMA CGM operations budget might indicate. That’s because the company has long emphasized safety, in all its forms, as a crucial factor for commercial success and as part of its corporate values. In fact, CMA CGM has stated that it prioritizes leadership in “safety and security issues," adopting the highest standards and taking a proactive approach as a matter of principle.
No effort is too great in achieving and maintaining this leadership position. Under the umbrella of its "safety first" corporate-wide commitment, CMA CGM’s in-house experts analyze and propose strategies and policies for the fleet to prevent accidents, collisions, pollution and other risks. Additionally, well-documented crisis procedures, regular training and infrastructure exist to help vessels cope with emergency situations on board, and all vessels are subjected to a comprehensive audit at least annually.
Managing high levels of emergency preparedness in an efficient, uniform manner is key to any safety strategy for all fleets. And that’s why CMA CGM has chosen to place its vessels under the expert care of safety equipment and servicing provider Viking Life-Saving Equipment.
Through the Viking shipowner agreement program, CMA CGM vessels have access to efficient life raft and personal protective equipment (PPE) exchanges and servicing. Ships can, for example, simply swap their onboard immersion suits that are due for servicing at the pier with serviced, packed and approved suits in a single, time-saving transaction. To facilitate mandatory monthly drills, unpacked training units are provided as part of the program.
New equipment such as life-saving appliances (LSA) for newbuilds and existing vessels are also part of the agreement. Existing vessels are retrofitted with Viking Nadiro lifeboat hooks and all new CMA CGM lifeboats are specified with this type of gravity-secured hook. CMA CGM sees a lot of advantages entering into fleet-wide service agreements that simplify and streamline safety equipment management and has gradually expanded its contract with Viking to encompass more vessels.
CMA CGM’s safety equipment strategy aims to:
– Ensure emergency preparedness across the fleet
– Ensure regulatory compliancy
– Support its zero-detention goal
– Simplify administration
– Ensure cost predictability
– Eliminate out-of-date equipment
– Reduce equipment condemnation rates
